tabuaeran cruise port

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How to Visit Fanning Island on a South Pacific Cruise

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If you’re looking for a South Pacific cruise excursion that’s totally off-the-beaten-path, welcome to Fanning Island. Boomer travelers won’t find stores, tours or any services, but they will experience welcoming residents living on a coral atoll with a turquoise-hued lagoon that screams tropical paradise.

While the island offers scenic eye candy, it’s not always a paradise for those who live here. Life on Fanning Island may appear simple but it’s also a hardscrabble existence.

With no power grid or indoor plumbing, residents rely on generators, water catchment basins and shallow, fresh water wells. A supply ship visits two to three times per year.

Approximately (the numbers change depending on the source) 1900 islanders reside in 8 villages scattered around the atoll. They depend on the sea for fish and also live off the land by growing taro, pumpkin, and harvesting coconut and papaya. There is also some exportation of seaweed and copra.

How to get to Fanning Island

The majority of visitors arrive by ship while cruising on long, South Pacific itineraries . Fanning Island is usually included either before or after calling on Hawaii , which is about 1,000 miles to the north. From 2001 to 2007, Norwegian Cruise Lines included the atoll as a port on Hawaiian cruise routes. 

Tabuaeran Atoll, Fanning’s official name, is part of the Northern Line island chain in the Republic of Kiribati . The remote island country consists of 33 coral atolls sprawled over one million square miles in the Pacific Ocean. You may know Kiribati as the Gilbert Islands.

So far, Alan and I have cruised to Fanning Island on three South Pacific cruises, the latest being on Crystal Serenity . During one visit, rough seas prevented tenders from navigating through the English Channel—the passage into the lagoon. But twice, we’ve had the pleasure of a complimentary cruise excursion to one of the most remote places on earth.

Experiencing a Fanning Island cruise ship excursion

As Alan and I disembark the tender at Paelau, a village that serves as Tabuaeran’s administrative center, a group of school children sits under a thatch roof pavilion singing a welcome song. We pause and listen to the harmonies.

If you’re taking photos or videos, or simply enjoying the music, show your appreciation by dropping a couple of dollars into the contribution bucket.

Nearby, an impromptu market offers a combination folk festival–craft show atmosphere. Residents dressed in native garb pose for enthusiastic photographers—for a fee—or stand behind tables piled with sea shell necklaces, grass baskets, wood carvings and other locally-made trinkets.

There is nothing else to purchase on Fanning Island—no food, drinks, or other services. The one exception is the local who offers $10 dollar sightseeing tours in a truck.

Alan and I usually walk a ways down the dusty road that’s to the left of the craft market looking for photography opportunities. Roosters scratch their way through brush filled with empty coconut shells. Children stand near the road, smiling shyly. Others pass by on bicycles accompanied by friendly dogs. Teenagers motor around us on small motorbikes.

As usually happens during our Fanning Island visits, it doesn’t take long before the strong sun combined with humidity—we’re only about 4 degrees from the equator—causes us to rethink the walk. Other cruise guests continue past us looking for a sandy beach for a relaxing swim in the lagoon.

Since there is no sanitation or septic system on the island, be aware that waste flows into the shallow lagoon. Looking at the beautiful water, you’d never realize it. Perhaps it won’t affect you but as they say, knowledge is key.

You’ll also see piles of trash scattered in the underbrush. It won’t ruin the experience but it’s sad to see.

Returning back to the central area, Alan and I continue our walk near a shed where boats are being repaired. There’s a small curve of a beach here that attracts cruise guests and staff. If you’d rather not swim, sitting near the lagoon under the shade of a tree is a pleasant way to spend a few minutes.

It’s possible to continue walking to the Pacific Ocean side of Fanning Island. One of our cruise friends actually walked over to swim there. However the surf is rough and he quickly changed his mind.

Before returning on the tender, Alan always hands me money to shop the craft tables. “I don’t care what you buy, or if we ever use the items, just spend all of this.” With no other services to purchase, it’s the only way to help out those living in a subsistence-level economy.

Cruise guests often bring small school items for the children like pencils, paper, and such. Others pack over-the-counter medical supplies. Bringing water filtration pens is another great idea. The problem with this approach is that the passage into the lagoon may be too rough to visit Fanning Island so your supplies might not reach their intended recipients.

If you’re interested in helping the islanders, you’ll make the most impact by dropping your dollars into the contribution buckets or purchasing something from the craft tables.

Returning to Fanning Island

After two visits to Fanning Island in 2012 and 2018—where we actually made it ashore—I can say that little has changed. During our latest experience, the residents appear even more destitute than they originally did in 2012. And the craft market did not seem as vibrant as before.

However, if our cruise ship ever anchors off Fanning Island again, Alan and I will repeat the scenario—walk around, take photos and bring cash in the hopes that buying a few trinkets helps someone out. It’s not often as travelers that we have the opportunity to visit a region of the world so unaffected by technology.

Fanning Island facts

Accurate information about Fanning Island is hard to come by, even in the age of the Internet. During my search, I enjoyed reading the logs of yachting blogs, especially: Ride the Trades

And I also found the answers to a couple of my own questions:

Can I find Lodging on Fanning Island?

In my research for this article, I discovered that it is possible to stay here. True adventurers book rooms at Fanning Island Lodge through a tour provider . They’ll experience shared bathrooms, locally caught fish for dinner with daily activities ranging from fishing, surfing, snorkeling to visiting the villages.

Guests arrive by a private hour-long charter from Christmas Island, which is a 3-hour flight from Honolulu. The fishing, especially, is rumored to be outstanding.

Is Fanning Island historically important?

Fanning Island history goes back to the Polynesians. Artifacts have been discovered indicating that Polynesians stopped at Fanning Island on their way to explore the Hawaiian Islands. But they were long gone by the time American ship captain, Edmund Fanning, reached the island in 1798.

While some of WWII’s bloodies battles were fought on the atolls of Kiribati, especially on Tarawa, Butaritari and Abemama, Fanning Island escaped the carnage. However during WWI, a German ship shelled the atoll’s cable station severely damaging it. Soldiers came ashore and successfully cut the undersea communications cable, part of the All Red Line that connected Australia, New Zealand and Canada to Great Britain. Two weeks later the cable was repaired, reestablishing communications.

Will the Republic of Kiribati move to Fiji?

Today, Fanning Island, like the rest of Kiribati, is the canary in the coal mine of climate change, no matter how we agree or disagree upon the cause. The island’s highest point is 6’ above the high tide mark, putting it at rising from rising ocean water.

In 2014, Kiribati completed the purchase of  20 square kilometers on the island of Vanua Levu in Fiji for the relocation of residents in case the coral atolls, including Tabuaeran, become unlivable. But there are some concerns about that approach.

Is it realistic to think that residents used to relying on the ocean will adapt to farming on mountainous terrain? Is there enough land and infrastructure to adequately house the folks from Kiribati? What about the Fijian residents that already reside in the area?

There are many unanswered questions. If you’d like to learn more, I recommend this article from video journalist, Alan Toth , as well as an insightful post from the Australian aid and development experts at Devpolicy Blog.

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Fanning Island (Line Islands, Kiribati)

Cruise port schedule, live map, terminals, news.

Region Australia - New Zealand - Pacific Ocean Islands

Local Time 2024-07-04 11:10

Port Fanning Island cruise ship schedule shows timetable calendars of all arrival and departure dates by month. The port's schedule lists all ships (in links) with cruises going to or leaving from Fanning Island, Line Islands, Kiribati. To see the full itineraries (ports of call dates and arrival / departure times) and their lowest rates – just follow the corresponding ship-link.

Fanning Island (Tabuaeran) is among the many tropical atolls forming Kiribati's Line Islands. The island covers a total area of approx 34 km2 (13 mi2) and has population around 2,000.

Island's highest elevation is 3 m (10 ft) above sea level (high tide). Atoll's inner lagoon has an area of 110 km2 (42 ml2). Lagoon's deepest water is about 15 m (49 ft), but most of it is very shallow.

When Europeans discovered Tabuaeran, it was uninhabited. During the 19th century, the island was a copra producer. Currently, it has a small population. Best tourist activities are swimming, diving and snorkelling along the coast. Atoll's administrative centre is Paelau - located on the western coast, and south of passage into the lagoon. The health centre is also there.

Work opportunities were reduced by NCL Norwegian Cruise Line  ceasing to call on the island, as well as due to reduced operations of Atoll Seaweed Company. Fanning Island was a weekly port of call for NCL, which had cruise ships homeported in Honolulu Hawaii .

USA's federal regulations required foreign-flagged vessels to visit a foreign port. US-based liner visited this island destination as it was more cost-effective (for visiting a foreign country) than to pay port charges as a consequence of US Passenger Vessel Services Act. The ship Norwegian Wind (now SuperStar Aquarius) left the NCL fleet in 2007. Later, NCL introduced 3 vessels to operated specifically in Hawaii USA. All these liners were US-flagged and not required to visit foreign ports of call.

Fanning Island was regularly visited by the Holland America  ships  ms Rotterdam  (2010), ms Westerdam  (2011), ms Volendam  (2011).

Fanning Island cruise terminal

Cruise ships to Fanning Island dock (anchor) at Napari (Napali) - a settlement located at the northern end of Tabuaeran atoll, Kiribati.

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Cruises from/to Fanning Island, Kiribati

Fanning island, kiribati cruise port.

• For swimming and snorkeling, visit Napili Beach. With its powdery white sands overlooking clear, shallow waters, you might be able to spot various types of fish, like parrot fish and angelfish. Since Fanning Island is only a couple hundred miles north of the Equator, it's a great place to cool off.  
• Stock up on local souvenirs at the handicraft market. Goods made by the creative islanders include woven baskets and grass skirts, wood carvings, shell jewelry, and the like. The prices are reasonable; another way to give to the community here is to bring small gifts for the children instead of giving them dollars. They're especially appreciative of school supplies and toys. Sugary sweets aren't recommended as gifts, although toothbrushes are.  
• It's easy enough to tour the island by walking or renting a bike. There are also small truck tours that give a picture of a land relatively untouched by time.  
• There’s a compound near the pier at English Harbour where you can get your passport validated with a Kiribati stamp, then enjoy the shade in a beach chair while sipping on a cold drink from the bar. The all-day barbeque nicely complements the local singers and dancers performing traditional pieces.

Top 10 Cruises to Fanning Island, Kiribati

• Zaandam 56-day Tales Of The South Pacific Departing From Vancouver, British Columbia (Sep 2024 - Sep 2025)
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• Koningsdam 35-day Hawaii Tahiti & Marquesas Departing From San Diego, California (Feb 2025)
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Tabuaeran, Kiribati

Tabuaeran , line islands , kiribati.

Tabuaeran, commonly known as Fanning Island, is a picturesque coral atoll offering a true escape to paradise. The island is home to approximately 1900 residents living a simple but authentic life. Visitors can explore the island's unique culture by visiting local villages, seaweed farms, and markets. Activities include relaxing on the pristine Napali Beach, water sports like jet skiing and kayaking, and diving or snorkeling to discover the vibrant underwater world of colorful corals and marine life. You can also rent bicycles to explore the outer villages and enjoy breathtaking views of the island and sea. As a remote destination, Fanning Island offers a glimpse into a lifestyle untouched by modern technology and a chance to support the local economy through souvenir purchases and cultural interactions.

Coordinates: 4.6793° N, 159.4650° W

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Tabuaeran (Fanning Island), Kiribati

Tiny Fanning Island, lost in a vast ocean halfway between Hawaii and Tahiti, is rarely visited by anyone. Meet the friendly locals, enjoy a refreshing coconut milk drink while combing its pristine beaches, or dream away under a palm tree.

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Fanning Island Kiribati

NASA astronaut image of Tabuaeran (former Fanning Island, Kiribati) in the Pacific Ocean

Tabuaeran, also known as Fanning Island or Fanning Atoll (both Gilbertese and English names are recognised) is one of the Line Islands of the central Pacific Ocean, and part of Kiribati. The maximum elevation is about 3 m (10 ft) above high tide.

Tabuaeran has a population of 2500, principally Gilbertese settlers brought from Kiribati by Fanning Island Plantations, Ltd., to work in the copra industry (copra is the meat of the coconut). The capital is Napari (Paelau) in the northwest. The former capital is Napia (English Harbour) on the western side, south of a passage into the lagoon. Other villages are Tereitaki, in the northwest, Aontena, a resettlement area just south of Napia, and Manuku, a resettlement area in the south.

Tabuaeran was a weekly port of call for Norwegian Cruise Line, who had ships based in Honolulu. Due to federal regulations requiring foreign-flagged ships to call in a foreign port, the ships cruised to Tabuaeran. It was also more cost effective for the cruise line to visit a foreign country than to pay port charges as a consequence of the U.S. Passenger Services Act. In 2007, the Norwegian Wind left Norwegian's fleet, and they introduced 3 cruise ships specifically to cruise in Hawaiʻi. These three ships were all US-flagged ships, and thus were not required to visit foreign ports. The Pride of Hawaiʻi and Pride of America sailed 7-day sailings, and the Pride of Aloha took over the 10 and 11 day sailings which included Tabuaeran. In the fall of 2007, Norwegian announced that the Pride of Hawaiʻi would be reflagged and renamed the Norwegian Jade and sail in Europe. Due to this change, Norwegian announced that the Pride of Aloha and the Pride of America would both sail 7-day cruises in Hawaiʻi, and eliminate cruises to Tabuaeran. In the late spring of '09, NCL decided to only have the Pride of America in Hawaii, and the Pride of Aloha was relocated. Fanning has been suffering since this decision by NCL. Starting in January of 2010, the Holland America Cruise-ship Rotterdam has been scheduling visits to Fanning and that is beginning to allow the island to regain some income and help from a visiting cruise-ship.

Tabuaerean (Fanning Island)

From cruiserswiki.

See Kiribati .

Communication

Tabuaerean has a "port" of entry, Napia (actually an anchorage), for Kiribati. For details see Entrance: Kiribati .

There is no harbour but there arer two possible anchorages.

Marinas & Yacht Clubs

North of cartwright point.

Provisioning

Give the names and locations of supermarkets, grocery stores, bakeries, etc.

Give the name of recommended restaurant, tavernas, pastry stores, etc.

Transportation

• The most common way to get into Tabuaeran Island is by taking a boat from Christmas Island ( Kiritimati ).

Give a short history of the island.

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Merge & Al's excellent adventures

The Fun of Travel

Merge & al's excellent adventures.

Remote serenity – the Tabuaeran Atoll

If you’ve ever dreamed of visiting an island in the South Pacific untouched by modern civilization, then the closest you’ll probably ever get is the Tabuaeran Atoll , also known as Fanning Island . The island is actually in the Central Pacific Ocean, part of the Line Islands of the small nation of Kiribati (pronounced Ki-ri-bass in the local Gilbertese language). We visited in March 2023, as a stop on our cruise on Holland America’s MS Koningsdam.

The land area is approximately 34 km², the elevation is about 3 m above high tide, and the population is a little over 2,000. Ironically, if all 2,500 passengers from the Koningsdam had disembarked on the atoll (they didn’t), the population of the island would have more than doubled!

There isn’t much commercial ocean traffic to the atoll. A supply ship visits 3 to 4 times a year, and the atoll doesn’t get many visitors. Until 2007, Norwegian Cruise Lines used to make occasional visits. In 2010, Holland America started to include Tabuaeran on some of its itineraries. However, in March 2020 with the onset of the coronavirus pandemic, the already limited visitor traffic came to a complete halt. Our trip on the Koningsdam was the first visit by a cruise ship in three years!

Most residents farm a vegetable plot, and the men fish. There are many fruit trees on the island, including the ubiquitous jackfruit and breadfruit. The islanders supplement their diet with rice and tinned meat that is brought in on the supply ships. The little money they earn comes from seaweed farming. Sticks are placed vertically in the water, and netting is stretched between them. The seaweed grows on the surface of the mesh, which is then harvested, dried and sold for export.

Given how big the Koningsdam is, we anchored several miles away from the atoll, and tendered in. The first tender in the morning was only for the crew carrying gift supplies for the islanders. Because we were the first large ship visiting the island since the onset of Covid in March 2020, the crew also brought in tools and lumber. Since the pier had been unused for three years, the crew expected that they would need to complete some dock repairs. Later in the morning, once repairs were complete, passengers began tendering to shore. By the time we got there at about noon, the atmosphere was one of a small country fair. As we stepped off the tender, a group of men were singing traditional songs to welcome us. In the area around the dock, local women and children had set up tables where they displayed their handmade crafts for sale . Groups of school children were singing and dancing. An enterprising, gap-toothed, elderly gentleman with a wide grin was offering tours around the island in a rickety little truck.

We had been warned that the amenities on the island were very limited. There were no restaurants, and there was no food for sale. There were no tourist attractions, and no bathrooms. But there was something else! We were captivated by the people we met. There was genuine joy in their faces and voices. They were clearly excited to have visitors again, and welcomed us to wander around their island to explore. And we were enchanted by the sea-green lagoon ringed with beautiful, sandy beaches.

Individual homes were mostly thatched huts, and almost all were on stilts since the island is only at about a 3 m elevation. There are some concrete buildings, but they are primarily community facilities.

Probably the most beautiful sight on the Tabuaeran Atoll are the beaches. White sand, minus hordes of tourists, gradually tapering into the impossibly-green ocean. Several cruise ship visitors donned their swimsuits and were happily splashing in the water.

Many of the cruise visitors had brought gifts, supplies and cash donations for the Islanders. Since we had researched this in advance, we brought packages of Crayola crayons and HB pencils to distribute to the children and to the school programs. In addition we knew we wanted to spend some money on the locally-made crafts, if for no other reason than to contribute to their fragile economy. Merge bought some beautifully handcrafted shell jewellery from the women at their tables. This wasn’t really jewelry that she wanted, so she later gifted it to some of the crew on board the ship who were pleased to receive it for their families back home. We also bought some very unique Kiribati stamps as a souvenir.

If you are looking for a tourist mecca, complete with hotels, beach amenities, restaurants, tours, and souvenir shopping, then the Tabuaeran atoll is not the place to visit. But if you are looking for a glimpse into the day-to-day lives of people who live off the land and the sea and have very little beyond that, but yet are happy and stress-free, then this may be the place to visit. This is how life might have been 100 years ago, before modern civilization made its mark on most of the world.

Don’t forget, there are no hotels or motels here, so if you’re going to visit, probably best to plan for a day trip!

Thank you for your blog on Fanning Island. I have several backpacks full of items to leave with these wonderful people. I also have a gift for the children we meet. Heard they love Kool aide and tea. Not sure how I am going to get all my items on the cruise ship but we will get it done. Excited to visit this remote island and purchase some of their items. My only concern in the tender ride in and back and no restroom….years ago wouldn’t have been a problem however now it becomes a concern. lol.

You’re welcome Josie, I’m so glad you found this helpful. The tender ride itself isn’t long, and you can stay for as long or as little as you’d like. I think you’ll be fine!

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Tourism Authority Kiribati

Kaongora Newsletter

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Tabuaeran welcomes first cruise ship visit.

Tabuaeran, also known as Fanning Island, received its first post COVID-19 cruise ship on Saturday 04 March 2023.

Better known for its left-hand surf breaks, fly fishing flats with abundant Bonefish, Giant Trevally and Milk fish and an ideal all year-round tropical climate, the islander of Tabuaeran welcomed the MS Koningsdam and her 2,452 passengers with a cultural display of song and dance.

Once on land, some passengers used the opportunity to swim, snorkel and fish in the island’s azure lagoon, whilst others opted for leisurely island tour, including school visit and handicraft shopping.

Passenger Carrey Moffett said the island was “Something out about of a movie or a postcard’. He added that “this is what I picture when I hear the term ’South Pacific even though we were technically still in the North Pacific”.

A team from the Tourism Authority of Kiribati (TAK) Kiritimati officer led by Senior Tourism Officer, Tekonaba Teburea also travelled to Tabuaeran to assist the islanders with activities on the day.

Tabuaeran Is one of the few islands in Kiribati that offer the beaten track cruise ship experience. Other islands visited by cruise ships in the past include Kiritimati, Kanton, Butaritari, Tarawa and Abemama.

The  Tourism Authority of Kiribati is responsible for working with our partners to encourage travelers to come to Kiribati and spend time exploring our country.

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Tabuaeran (Fanning Island), Kiribati

Fanning Island, also known as Tabuaeran, which means "heavenly footprint" in the native Polynesian language, is a ring-shaped coral reef surrounding a protected lagoon in the deep waters of the Pacific Ocean. Its non-Polynesian name derives from the American explorer, Edmund Fanning, who discovered the then unpopulated island in 1798. Tabuaeran later fell under British rule from 1889 through 1979 until it gained independence and became part of the Republic of Kiribati.

Celebrated for its white-sand beaches, blue-green waters and friendly residents, Tabuaeran is a paradise for snorkeling, surfing and sunning. One of the closest landfalls is the Hawaiian Islands, though even they sit some 1,450 kilometers (900 miles) away. The island has even played the part of the proverbial desert island on television, appearing in the closing shot of Gilligan's Island . While the atoll may have been a stopover for the Polynesians who first settled Hawaii, unlike those more popular Pacific islands, it has retained its feeling of being a remote outpost into the 21st century. 

Plan A Vacation

Tabuaeran is one of 32 atolls that form the Republic of Kiribati, an island nation in the South Pacific. It is on the northern side of the Line Islands, an archipelago of atolls at the eastern edge of the Republic.

Tabuaeran covers 13 square miles, and it has a population of about 2,539. It is a popular stopping point for cruise ships sailing to and from Hawaii, which is approximately 900 miles (1,400km) directly north.

Today, there are eight separate villages on the atoll. Its main export is coconut, and handmade products like wooden carved spoons and sharks' teeth are sold to tourists. The local population survives on pigs, chicken, coconut, imported rice, and meats.

Brief History

Historians believe that the atoll was once a stopover point for the Polynesians who first settled Hawaii. Historical relics and artifacts have been uncovered by historians who believe that the inaugural human population was comprised of people from Tonga and the Cook Islands.

The first Europeans did not arrive until the late 1700s. In 1798, a famous American explorer and trader named Edmund Fanning reported finding the atoll while a captain on the ship Betsy. It was then founded by Fanning, which is how the atoll acquired its American name Fanning Atoll.

Tabuaeran was later established as a home to the British, who started the first coconut plantations in 1850. It was annexed by Great Britain in 1888 and historically has been used for commercial coconut production, which still forms the economy's backbone today. The atoll was renamed “Tabuaeran” in 1979 when the atoll joined Kiribati and Kiribati gained its independence.

Topography and Geology

Tabuaeran is comprised of a chain of islets that created around a large lagoon with a circumference of 32 miles. Like many of the atolls and islands in Kiribati, it is made of coral covered with scrub brush and various vegetation.

Environment

Overfishing has depleted many of Tabuaeran's indigenous fish and shellfish populations, which include tropical fish and reef fish, but there are still quite a few sharks in the waters surrounding the island. Unlike many atolls in Kiribati, little remains of Tabuaeran's native plant and animal life, and its lands and waters have been repurposed to support introduced species. The climate of Tabuaeran is tropical, with a distinct drier season and rainy season that brings steady, heavy rainfall and winds.

Travel Information

The majority of the Line Islands are uninhabited and dangerous to attempt travel to alone. Tabuaeran is somewhat of an exception as the island is often visited by tourists via Norwegian Cruise Line, and has a few facilities and resources available. Phone service and electricity is still unavailable however, so serious precautions must be taken by anyone planning on attempting to travel there alone. Tabuarean can be accessed by air, utilizing Air Kiribati's Line Islands route from Kiritimati - Tabuaeran - Teraina.

Fanning Island, Kiribati

What to do in fanning island, kiribati cruise port.

Hiking is a popular activity for cruise passengers visiting Fanning Island, Kiribati. The island is home to a variety of trails, ranging from easy to challenging, allowing visitors to explore the lush tropical forests and discover the unique flora and fauna of the area. The island also offers a number of guided hikes, allowing visitors to learn more about the local culture and history of the island.

Snorkeling is a popular activity for cruise passengers visiting Fanning Island, Kiribati. The crystal clear waters of the lagoon provide an ideal environment for snorkeling, with a variety of colorful fish and coral to explore. The island also offers a number of snorkeling tours, allowing visitors to explore the depths of the lagoon and discover the unique marine life of the area.

Kayaking is another popular activity for cruise passengers visiting Fanning Island, Kiribati. The calm waters of the lagoon provide an ideal environment for kayaking, with a variety of small islands and coves to explore. The island also offers a number of kayaking tours, allowing visitors to explore the depths of the lagoon and discover the unique marine life of the area.

Shopping near Fanning Island, Kiribati Cruise Port

Tebua Kiribati

Tebua Kiribati is a great place to find souvenirs from Fanning Island. They offer a wide variety of items, from traditional handicrafts to modern art pieces. The shop is run by local artisans, so you can be sure that you're getting authentic items. The prices are reasonable and the staff is friendly and helpful.

Tebua Tarawa Souvenir Shop

Tebua Tarawa Souvenir Shop is a great place to find souvenirs from Fanning Island. They offer a wide selection of items, from traditional handicrafts to modern art pieces. The shop is run by local artisans, so you can be sure that you're getting authentic items. The prices are reasonable and the staff is friendly and helpful.

Kiribati Crafts

Kiribati Crafts is a great place to find unique souvenirs from Fanning Island. They offer a wide variety of items, from traditional handicrafts to modern art pieces. The shop is run by local artisans, so you can be sure that you're getting authentic items. The prices are reasonable and the staff is friendly and helpful.

Beaches in Fanning Island, Kiribati

Kiritimati Beach

Kiritimati Beach is a beautiful beach located on the island of Kiritimati, which is part of the Fanning Island group in Kiribati. The beach is surrounded by white sand and crystal clear waters, making it a great spot for swimming, snorkeling, and relaxing. The beach is also home to a variety of marine life, including colorful fish, sea turtles, and dolphins. It's a great place to spend a day in the sun and enjoy the beauty of the Pacific Ocean.

Tabuaeran Beach

Tabuaeran Beach is a stunning white sand beach located on the island of Tabuaeran, which is part of the Fanning Island group in Kiribati. The beach is surrounded by crystal clear waters and is a great spot for swimming, snorkeling, and relaxing. The beach is also home to a variety of marine life, including colorful fish, sea turtles, and dolphins. It's a great place to spend a day in the sun and enjoy the beauty of the Pacific Ocean.

Teraina Beach

Teraina Beach is a stunning beach located on the island of Teraina, which is part of the Fanning Island group in Kiribati. The beach is surrounded by white sand and crystal clear waters, making it a great spot for swimming, snorkeling, and relaxing. The beach is also home to a variety of marine life, including colorful fish, sea turtles, and dolphins. It's a great place to spend a day in the sun and enjoy the beauty of the Pacific Ocean.

Attractions in Fanning Island, Kiribati

Fanning island, kiribati cruise port map.

Fanning Island, Kiribati Cruise Port Terminals

Fanning Island Cruise Center

The Fanning Island Cruise Center is the main port of call for cruise ships visiting the island. It is located on the northern side of the island and offers a range of services for passengers, including a customs office, a currency exchange, and a variety of shops and restaurants. The terminal also provides access to the island's many attractions, including its pristine beaches and lush tropical forests.

Fanning Island Cruise Terminal

The Fanning Island Cruise Terminal is the main port of call for cruise ships visiting the island. It is located on the western side of the island and offers a range of services for passengers, including a customs office, a currency exchange, and a variety of shops and restaurants. The terminal also provides access to the island's many attractions, including its pristine beaches and lush tropical forests.

Kiribati Cruise Terminal

The Kiribati Cruise Terminal is located on the eastern side of Fanning Island and is the main port of call for cruise ships visiting the island. It offers a range of services for passengers, including a customs office, a currency exchange, and a variety of shops and restaurants. The terminal also provides access to the island's many attractions, including its pristine beaches and lush tropical forests.

Frequently Asked Questions

Fanning Island, Kiribati is a great cruise port for those looking for a unique and remote experience. The island is known for its pristine beaches, crystal clear waters, and abundant marine life. It is also home to a variety of cultural attractions, including traditional villages and ancient ruins. The island is also a great spot for snorkeling and diving, as well as fishing and kayaking.

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World's second-largest cruise ship to arrive at Port Canaveral next week

The world's second-largest cruise ship will arrive at Port Canaveral next week, providing another milestone for the world's second-busiest cruise port.

Royal Caribbean International's Utopia of the Seas is schedule to sail into Port Canaveral the morning of July 11. It will begin sailings on July 19, offering three- and four-night voyages to the Bahamas, with departures on Fridays and Mondays. Most of the sailings will have port-of-call stops in Nassau and Perfect Day at CocoCay, Royal Caribbean's private island.

Utopia of the Seas is the world's second-largest cruise ship, behind Royal Caribbean's Miami-based Icon of the Seas, which debuted there in January. Utopia has 18 decks; 2,834 staterooms; a double-occupancy capacity of 5,668; and a crew of 2,290.

Utopia's plans for the port: Giant cruise ship Utopia of the Seas coming to Port Canaveral, where sister ship already sails

Royal Caribbean is marketing the ship as "the world's biggest weekend," alluding to its massive size and relatively short cruises.

Port Canaveral CEO John Murray said the Utopia of the Seas has so many attractions onboard that, for many passengers, "the ship itself is really a destination. So it's really cool."

"The ship is coming straight to Port Canaveral from the shipyard," Murray said told port commissioners at their meeting last week. "This ship is built specifically for the three- and four-day cruises, and Royal Caribbean selected us for that honor. So we're really excited, and we want to want to do a good job with it. It's going to be really exciting to see it sitting right outside of Cruise Terminal 1."

Murray said he expects the addition of the Utopia will give a boost to passenger traffic at Port Canaveral, which has been relatively flat in April and May compared with previous-year numbers, after posting strong year-over-year increases during the winter season.

The Utopia will be one of three Royal Caribbean ships based at Port Canaveral when it enters the lineup, joining the Adventure of the Seas and the Wonder of the Seas.

Utopia has 22 restaurants; 13 bars and lounges; six special areas for young children and teens; eight themed neighborhoods; the AquaTheater, Royal Theater and Studio B entertainment venues; five pools; two casinos with more than 370 slot machines and nearly 30 table games; and two rock-climbing walls.

The ship also features the FlowRider surf simulator; a 10-story zip line; and The Ultimate Abyss, which is the longest dry slide at sea at 259 feet, plummeting 10 decks.

Powered by liquefied natural gas

The Utopia will be the third ship based at Port Canaveral to be powered by liquefied natural gas, a fuel that is cleaner-burning that traditional marine fuels. The other LNG-powered ships at Port Canaveral are the Carnival's Mardi Gras and Disney's Wish.

Before its first cruise with paying passengers, the Utopia will undergo its final U.S. Coast Guard inspection. The ship also will host a formal ship-naming ceremony, as well as a traditional maritime plaque-and-key exchange between Royal Caribbean and Port Canaveral officials.

In all, Royal Caribbean operates the world's seven largest cruise ships.

Royal Caribbean officially took delivery of the Utopia on June 13, after more than two years of construction at the Chantiers de l’Atlantique shipyard in Saint-Nazaire, France.

Royal Caribbean International President and CEO Michael Bayley said the Utopia of the Seas will provide cruise passengers "the keys to the ultimate weekend. This is the short vacation that packs every way to make amazing memories in a three-night weekend or four-night weekday getaway."

Dave Berman is business editor at  FLORIDA TODAY.  Contact Berman at  [email protected] , on X at  @bydaveberman  and on Facebook at  www.facebook.com/dave.berman.54

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Tabuaeran (Fanning Island) Kiribati: A History, Amazing Facts and Things to Do

Amazing Facts

Things to do.

•  Christmas Island National Park
•  Phoenix Islands Protected Area
•  Abemama
•  Bairiki
•  Bikenibeu
•  Bonriki
•  Buariki Village
•  Buariki
•  Kuria
•  Nabouwalu
•  Nanikai
•  Nanumea
•  Nukulaelae
•  Rawannawi
•  Ronton
•  Tabiang
•  Tabwakea
•  Tarawa
•  Teaoraereke
•  Temaiku
•  Utiroa
•  Abaiang Atoll
•  Abaokoro Beach
•  Abaokoro Lagoon
•  Abemama Atoll
•  Arorae Atoll
•  Bairiki Beach
•  Banaba Island
•  Betio Beach
•  Butaritari Atoll
•  Kanton Island
•  Kiritimati
•  Kuma Beach
•  Kuria Atoll
•  Maiana Atoll
•  Marakei Atoll
•  Nonouti Atoll
•  Ocean Island
•  Tabuaeran
•  Tarawa Atoll
•  Temaiku Beach

News | Developer search is officially launched for…

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News | Developer search is officially launched for Outer Harbor cruise terminal in San Pedro

For the past decade , the area has been viewed as a strategic spot for a second cruise center in San Pedro, offering more space for the larger, more extravagant ships now coming online amid an uptick in the pleasure cruise industry.

“We have seen increased demand for cruises out of the LA Waterfront over the last several years, with a record 1.3 million cruise passengers in 2023,” Port Executive Director Gene Seroka said in a written comment announcing the search for developers. “With more growth forecast, these projects will allow us to greatly expand our cruise business capacity while providing the best possible experience and convenience for cruise travelers.”

Proposals are due by 3 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 12.

Over the last two years, port officials said, more than 200 cruise ships have called in L.A.

And more cruise passengers — and much larger ships, carrying 4,000 passengers or more — are expected over the coming five years, port officials said.

Each cruise that calls at the port, officials said, generates more than $1 million in local economic activity.

The port’s Outer Harbor provides an expansive space for a cornerstone development with a flexible design that could also provide a variety of additional non-cruise, revenue-producing uses in the off-season, such as filming, conferences and events.

The site, near Warehouse One, consists of 13 acres of backland, two existing wharves and 20 acres of associated potential off-site parking with an estimated 2,300 spaces.

The existing World Cruise Center, at 100 Swinford St., meanwhile, consists of 22 acres, including parking, two cruise berths (Berths 90-93), two terminal buildings and a baggage handling structure. Costing $15 million overall, the main, $4.3 million building was dedicated in 1963.

The 1980s brought a cruise ship boom , thanks partly to television’s “Love Boat,” but as ships grew bigger and space along the waterfront dwindled, port officials decided it was time to add another terminal.

“Over the past 20 years, our port has invested over $1 billion in enhancing, operating and programming LA Waterfront infrastructure,” said Mike Galvin, the port’s director of Waterfront and Commercial Real Estate Development. “These two proposed cruise terminal projects represent the next stage of that investment, and the continued transformation of the waterfront into a dynamic and multiuse visitor destination.”

Some residents, though, have raised concerns about blocked ocean views, traffic and parking.

Those interested in applying can tour the two cruise terminal locations at 10 a.m. Tuesday, July 23, by registering at this link .

The full Request for Proposals, or RFP, can be found at this link through the Port of Los Angeles.

Plans to pursue building an Outer Harbor terminal are not new, but were delayed by the pandemic, which essentially shut down the cruise industry. An earlier RFP process was getting underway in 2019 but was halted when the pandemic hit in 2020.

Currently, the area already is used for overflow cruise ship docking space. It offers panoramic views of the coastline and Catalina Island and has been eyed as a second cruise terminal spot for a decade.

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Why disney's new cruise liner may be charting the wrong course.

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Concept art of the new Disney Adventure, which will have its home port in Singapore

More details about Disney's plans to expand its cruise line into Asia have emerged with an announcement about the entertainment onboard its new ship which will have its home in Singapore when it comes on stream next year.

Named the Disney Adventure, the 208,000-ton ship is one of the world's biggest cruise liners. Disney reportedly bought it for just $44 million in 2022 after its previous owner, Hong Kong-based Genting Cruise Lines, fell into administration. At the time, it was set to accommodate up to 9,000 passengers making it the world's biggest cruise liner by passenger capacity though Disney has since scaled it back to 6,700. Instead of sailing it to the United States to join the six other ships in its fleet, Disney decided to make the Adventure its first cruise liner with a home port in Asia.

As part of a collaboration between Disney Cruise Line and Singapore Tourism Board, the mega-ship will sail for at least five years from the Marina Bay Cruise Center just a 12 minute drive from Universal Studios Singapore. The location seems like a no-brainer as it brings the fight to the doorstep of Disney's biggest rival, but actually Mickey may be charting the wrong course.

Singapore is the surprising location of Disney's Asian cruise port (Photo by Suhaimi Abdullah/Getty ... [+] Images)

Disney's ships are designed in an Art Deco style to reflect the golden age of cruising but inside they are awash with the kind of fairytale trappings that guests find in its theme parks. Photo opps with cuddly characters are de rigueur, as are Broadway-style extravaganzas based on classic Disney cartoons.

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Its latest ship, the Disney Wish, is also home to an interactive dinner show featuring scenes specially-shot by the actors of the wildly-popular Avengers superhero movies. On its top deck there is even an innovative water slide with screens set into the side of the tubes which tell a story about Mickey Mouse whilst riders rocket past on rafts propelled by powerful jets of water.

The Disney Adventure is set to make an even bigger splash as it will have an entire street themed to 2014's animated Oscar-winner Big Hero 6 which was a huge hit in Asia. A poolside retreat will be inspired by another animated favorite – Moana – while shops and restaurants will be based on classic Disney cartoons like The Little Mermaid and Lilo & Stitch . The Avengers will have their own hub.

"We're bringing the magic of Disney Cruise Line to Asia for the first time ever, and we want to give our guests the cruise relaxation and Disney fun they can only experience aboard one of our ships," said Sharon Siskie, senior vice president and general manager of Disney Cruise Line. "When they set sail on the Disney Adventure, guests will find incredible, immersive areas that bring the worlds of Disney, Pixar and Marvel to life in ways like never before – and these uniquely Disney experiences will inspire families to reconnect, recharge and make unforgettable memories that they'll cherish forever."

Disney Parks, Experiences and Products Chairman Josh D’Amaro and Singapore Tourism Board Chief ... [+] Executive Keith Tan announce the Disney Adventure (Daryl Goh, photographer)

They are the same kind of sentiments that Disney says guests will get from a visit to its theme parks and it's no coincidence. Disney's ships are almost the equivalent of mini theme parks which makes them ideal for locations where the media giant doesn't have an entertainment complex.

Unlike Universal, Disney has repeatedly rejected the opportunity to build inner city Family Entertainment Centers, instead choosing to focus on fewer, much larger, resorts scattered around the world.

There are only six Disney theme park resorts and although this is one more than Universal, its rival is expected to overtake it in the coming years with new outposts in Texas and the United Kingdom. Disney's theme park strategy leaves it under-exposed in a number of major markets including India, Australia, South Africa and the United Arab Emirates which is one of the wealthiest untapped areas as we have reported .

In the fall last year, Disney launched its first cruises in Australia where its closest park is a nine and a half hour flight away from the country's biggest city, Sydney. It may seem like the Adventure ship is plugging a similar gap as Disney doesn't have a park in Singapore.

However, Asia is dripping with them. With parks in Hong Kong, Shanghai and Tokyo, Disney has more resorts in Asia than in the Americas. All three are within a seven-hour flight from Singapore with Hong Kong less than four hours away which is no bad thing at all.

As we recently reported , when Disney launched its cruise line in 1998, it opened its Castaway Cay private island in the Bahamas at the same time. This enabled it to sell twin-center breaks where stays at Walt Disney World in Orlando are combined with a cruise to Castaway Cay. It sets off from Port Canaveral, just 50 minutes by car from Orlando, with transportation laid on by Disney to make the two destinations seem like they are part of the same vacation.

Thanks to their immersive theming, Disney's cruises are popular with mega-fans as well as families. Many of the former have the biggest budgets and therefore give Disney the greatest gains. So much so indeed that in 2022 its Adventures By Disney tour operator launched a 24-day package visiting every Disney park by private jet for the princely price of $110,000 per person. Despite being in the midst of the pandemic, it sold out so fast that the tour returned the following year at the increased price of $115,000. Yet again it sold out so it is taking place for a third time in 2024.

With three Disney resorts within striking distance of Singapore it seems like a no-brainer to schedule a cruise that takes them all in but, remarkably, this doesn't seem to be on the cards. Disney's announcement makes it clear that the Adventure will sail on cruises for three and four nights from Singapore which is just about enough time to get to Hong Kong but not back. It certainly isn't enough time to take in all three of Disney's Asian resorts which are widely seen to be the jewels in its crown as we have reported .

Disney's cruises do not visit Tokyo DisneySea (Photo by Tomohiro Ohsumi/Getty Images)

It isn't currently even possible to book any Disney cruises to or from Hong Kong, Shanghai or Tokyo despite all three being port cities with the theme parks in the latter located just a 22 minute drive from the terminal. A tour to these parks by ship would take several weeks though people would be prepared to pay a premium as Adventures By Disney has shown.

Disney could claim that this would defeat the object of the Adventure as it wouldn't be visiting untapped areas. However, if that is the driving force behind its location then Singapore isn't the ideal place for its home port as so many Disney parks are within a such a small catchment area.

Just last month, Disney's chief financial officer Hugh Johnston said that "the cruise business, frankly, is one that has an enormous number of opportunities for us" and it seems it hasn't plumbed the depths of all of them yet. The lack of a cruise which takes in all of the Asian resorts is another example of Disney leaving money on the table and it hasn't escaped the attention of other operators.

Testimony to this, cruising giant Holland America Line operates a voyage which visits the cities where all three resorts are located and it has been travelled with this benefit in mind by Disney mega-fans.

As we recently reported , the media giant has also been left in the wake of luxury operator Princess which was the first operator to introduce an on-board wireless guest recognition system even though Disney developed its own technology years earlier for its theme parks.

Likewise, as we also reported , earlier this year Princess swung open the doors to by far the most immersive entertainment experience at sea. Its spooky Spellbound nightspot is the first permanent outpost of Hollywood's exclusive Magic Castle club and it is packed with high-tech trickery. The venue has emerged ahead of a lounge based on Disney's Haunted Mansion theme park attraction which is due to debut on its new Treasure ship in December.

Industry giant Royal Caribbean has also cruised into Disney's waters with ships which are laden with attractions. In January it launched Icon of the Seas, the world's largest cruise liner which is also home to the Thrill Island water park, the largest at sea. Of course, other operators don't have Disney's characters and theme parks to keep them afloat and that's all the more reason why the Mouse should make the most of them.

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